by Dylan Stone
Broken Hill All Breeds Obedience Dog Club (BHABODC) has recently returned from a successful trial in Gawler, South Australia, with passes and certificates in hand and paw.
While the local club already holds three weekend trials annually for obedience and rally-obedience, some club members travel to interstate trials at throughout the year in addition to competing in those local trials.
Megan Algate and Drax, Laura Pinnuck and Luna, and Frankee Baldwin and Lenny travelled to Gawler to take part in their first Tricks Trials of 2023.
Mrs Algate and Drax received two passes in Novice Tricks (a First and a Thirds.
“The club put on a good trial, and everyone was lovely and helpful,” Mrs Algate said, adding, “the dogs did great, even though they were all so excited to be at the first trial of the year.”
Both Ms Pinnuck and Luna and Ms Baldwin and Lenny achieved passes, and Luna achieved her Tricks Starter Title, which is a significant achievement.
Giving some background to the Broken Hill Club, publicity officer Janet Siddall, said, “in September 1961 the Broken Hill All Breeds Obedience Dog Club was formed, and began to offer training classes to the dog owners of Broken Hill.
“The Club still holds classes each Sunday at the A.J. Keast Park, Gypsum Street. Classes vary from Beginners to Class 5, including Trial Classes. Dogs are accepted once they are fully vaccinated, and proof of vaccination is required. Older dogs may also join with the same proviso,” Mrs Siddall said.
The Club’s Ernie and Colleen O’Brien Memorial Award is an annual club-award based on performance during club graduation.
“Each year, graduation nights are held to enable trainers and their dogs to advance to higher classes if they qualify to do so,” Mrs Siddall said.
“Points given on these graduations are kept and after the final graduation for the year, a Perpetual Trophy in memory of foundation members, Ernie and Colleen O’Brien, and donated by Mr. Chris May, is awarded.”
On their return to Broken Hill for the first session of obedience training for 2023, Mrs Algate and Drax was awarded the 2022 Ernie and Colleen O’Brien Memorial Award for their performance in club graduations throughout 2022. Also, at the final graduation for 2022, Jenny Walters and Tully gained their Club CCD (Community Companion Dog) title and received a medal for their achievement.
If you would like to join the Club or would like more information, head out to the A.J. Keast Park (during training times) or contact Head Trainer Pam Smith on 0403 595 636.
